CEF vs. XAR

Last updated Jun 14, 2026

CEF (Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust) and XAR (SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF) are both funds - CEF is a Gold fund actively managed by Sprott, while XAR is a Aerospace & Defense fund tracking the S&P Aerospace & Defense Select Industry Index. CEF is actively managed, while XAR is passively managed. Over the past 10 years, CEF returned 12.56%/yr vs 18.45%/yr for XAR. At a 0.09 correlation, their price movements are largely independent. CEF charges 0.48%/yr vs 0.35%/yr for XAR.

Performance

CEF vs. XAR - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust (CEF) and SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, CEF achieves a -4.91% return, which is significantly lower than XAR's 16.10% return. Over the past 10 years, CEF has underperformed XAR with an annualized return of 12.56%, while XAR has yielded a comparatively higher 18.45% annualized return.

CEF

• 1D: 0.62%
• 1M: -9.04%
• YTD: -4.91%
• 6M: 0.53%
• 1Y: 40.89%
• 3Y*: 33.17%
• 5Y*: 16.96%
• 10Y*: 12.56%

XAR

• 1D: -1.55%
• 1M: 7.38%
• YTD: 16.10%
• 6M: 18.39%
• 1Y: 42.07%
• 3Y*: 33.32%
• 5Y*: 16.58%
• 10Y*: 18.45%

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

CEF vs. XAR - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017
CEF Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust	-4.91%	92.76%	24.07%	6.80%	1.07%	-8.32%	31.99%	16.91%	-6.34%	18.78%
XAR SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF	16.10%	46.15%	23.32%	23.79%	-5.02%	2.31%	6.18%	39.33%	-4.58%	33.00%

Correlation

The correlation between CEF and XAR is 0.27, which is low. Their price movements are largely independent, making them effective diversification partners.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.27
Correlation (3Y) Calculated over the trailing 3-year period	0.20
Correlation (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period	0.19
Correlation (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period	0.12
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Sep 29, 2011	0.09

The correlation between CEF and XAR shifts across timeframes, from 0.09 (all time) to 0.27 (1 year), reflecting how their relationship changes across market environments.

Return for Risk

CEF vs. XAR — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

CEF

CEF Risk / Return Rank: 23
CEF Sharpe Ratio Rank: 23
CEF Sortino Ratio Rank: 20
CEF Omega Ratio Rank: 29
CEF Calmar Ratio Rank: 23
CEF Martin Ratio Rank: 18

XAR

XAR Risk / Return Rank: 49
XAR Sharpe Ratio Rank: 49
XAR Sortino Ratio Rank: 51
XAR Omega Ratio Rank: 44
XAR Calmar Ratio Rank: 56
XAR Martin Ratio Rank: 48

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

CEF vs. XAR - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust (CEF) and SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	CEF	XAR	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.09	1.50	-0.41
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.45	2.20	-0.74
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.22	1.25	-0.03
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.41	2.43	-1.02
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	3.72	6.81	-3.10

CEF vs. XAR - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current CEF Sharpe Ratio is 1.09, which is comparable to the XAR Sharpe Ratio of 1.50. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of CEF and XAR, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

CEF vs. XAR - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum CEF drawdown since its inception was -62.29%, which is greater than XAR's maximum drawdown of -46.37%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for CEF and XAR.

Drawdown Indicators

	CEF	XAR	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-62.29%	-46.37%	-15.92%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-30.01%	-17.22%	-12.79%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-30.01%	-19.73%	-10.28%
Max Drawdown (5Y) Largest decline over 5 years	-30.01%	-32.40%	+2.39%
Max Drawdown (10Y) Largest decline over 10 years	-30.01%	-46.37%	+16.36%
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-26.45%	-4.32%	-22.13%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-27.33%	-6.78%	-20.55%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	11.35%	6.13%	+5.22%

Volatility

CEF vs. XAR - Volatility Comparison

Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust (CEF) and SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF (XAR) have volatilities of 11.51% and 11.46%, respectively, indicating that both stocks experience similar levels of price fluctuations. This suggests that the risk associated with both stocks, as measured by volatility, is nearly the same. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	CEF	XAR	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	11.51%	11.46%	+0.05%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	36.13%	23.56%	+12.57%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	38.81%	27.85%	+10.96%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	24.54%	23.66%	+0.88%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	21.96%	24.74%	-2.78%

CEF vs. XAR - Expense Ratio Comparison

CEF has a 0.48% expense ratio, which is higher than XAR's 0.35% expense ratio.

Dividends

CEF vs. XAR - Dividend Comparison

CEF has not paid dividends to shareholders, while XAR's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 0.31%.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023	2022	2021	2020	2019	2018	2017	2016	2015
CEF Sprott Physical Gold and Silver Trust	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.00%	0.08%	0.07%	0.09%	0.10%
XAR SPDR S&P Aerospace & Defense ETF	0.31%	0.40%	0.66%	0.54%	0.50%	0.83%	0.63%	0.75%	1.19%	0.76%	1.09%	2.31%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both CEF and XAR in my portfolio?

CEF and XAR have a correlation of 0.27, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, CEF or XAR?

CEF has higher volatility (11.51%) compared to XAR (11.46%). In terms of maximum drawdown, CEF dropped -62.29% vs XAR's -46.37%.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

XAR currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.50 vs 1.09), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.